1. Dress the dog up for Halloween and take him on a walk. Count the smiles you get from passers by.

2. Carve jack-o-lanterns together. If you like, put a different spin on it by carving aliens or monsters like these.

3. Gather some nice leaves outside and bring them in. Have the kids write messages (inspirational quotes, jokes or just silliness) on the undersides in permanent marker and then return them to the wild. Imagine together what people will think when they find a leaf underfoot that’s speaking to them!

4. Gather some old buttons, beads, ribbon and doodads and make homemade necklaces together. Get creative about what you can string — rocks with holes, bits of broken toys, you name it!

5. Smash acorns! Magical Mama Shari says her kids had a blast collecting acorns and smashing them with a hammer. I know my kiddos would love that too. For goodness sakes, make them wear protective eyewear though. ;)

6. Get some oranges and cloves and make fabulous pomanders like this guy.